Newton Public Library Director - City of Newton
Newton, KS
Position Summary: Newton Public Library seeks an innovative, energetic individual to serve as its next Library Director. The Director carries out the mission of the library under the general direction of the Board of Trustees of the Newton Public Library and manages all aspects of library services with vision, responsibility and authority. The Director plans, organizes, directs, and manages library operations and facility, and coordinates the program of services subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees. The Director reports to the Library Board.
About the Library: Founded in 1886, Newton Public Library serves a vibrant, engaged community of 20,000 residents in the seat of Harvey County. The library employs 9 full-time and 7 part-time staff, with an overall budget of $833,860. In 2019 NPL's patrons used nearly 180,000 library items, for an average of 10.4 annual library uses per city resident. NPL holds hundreds of adult and youth programs annually, with total program attendance of more than 10,000. The new Library Director will join NPL at an exciting time for the organization: In 2021, the library will launch a capital campaign to replace its current building with a new, state-of-the-art facility. Completion of the new library is projected in 2023.
About the Community: Located 25 miles from Wichita, Newton is a vibrant community that combines a small-town feel and easy access to the amenities of a big city. Newton Public Schools' award-winning staff serves 3,600 students, and Newton High School leads the state in student achievement in Advanced Placement classes. The Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations sponsor a variety of festivals, concerts, runs, and other community events throughout the year. One popular event, Taste of Newton, is held in October each year and draws thousands to the historic downtown to sample foods from local vendors. The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra holds four public concerts each year, and Bethel College sponsors various performing arts groups, festivals and cultural events. Excellent connectivity is a perk of living in Newton, which sits at the crossroads of I-135, U.S. 50, U.S. 81 and K-15. Newton has the state's busiest Amtrak station, providing rail service to Los Angeles and Chicago.
Compensation: The hiring salary range for this position is $64,200 to $82,500 annually, with a generous benefit package including KPERS, sick leave, health insurance, and vacation leave. Pay will be determined by education and experience.
Minimum Required Education and Experience:
- Masters of Library Science from an American Library Association accredited institution.
- At least three years of library management and supervisory experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
- Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Kansas Driver's License.
- Must successfully complete health and physical screenings, including drug and alcohol testing.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Required residency within a 50-mile radius of Newton Public Library.
Essential Functions, Skills and Competencies: Refer to detailed Job Description at www.newtonplks.org/director.
Application Process and Contact Information: The Board has contracted with a third party to receive applications. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to:
https://www.hrpartnersks.com/jobs/1438-npl-director
If you have any questions regarding this open position, please send those inquiries to:
Kristina Dietrick, President
HR Partners
785-232-5650
The position will remain open until October 9, 2020.
Newton Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check.